The papers of Monday published the welcome news that Britain,
France, and Russia have agreed "not to conclude peace separately during the present war." Of course, it was quite unthinkable that Britain, France, or Russia should be so base as to make terms at the expense of her friends. Nevertheless, a signed pledge is an excellent thing to have, if only because it puts the matter beyond the possibility of doubt, and because it spikes the guns
of German intrigue, which, if report speaks truly, had already began. It is, indeed, a pitiable situation when allies think of their own interests more than of the common cause, as William III. discovered when he was trying to whip up his laggard co-operators against Louis XIV.—each one of them holding back to see which way the cat would jump before committing himself.
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